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Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

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1137 positives
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93 negatives

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RatingAuthorContent
Negative HBanks
(1 review)
On May 23, 2021, HBanks Worden, IL wrote:

I planted my bulbs in the Fall in large tubs with Moisture Mix potting soil. They were covered over the winter with some shade cloth to keep away squirrels and raccoons. A few tulips showed some puny growth, but went no further. I did not get one single bloom or healthy plant from my 60.00 order. I dug up some bulbs most were missing entirely a couple of slimy rotted ones were all that was left. I sent this information to their customer service twice with no reply.

Negative victor2020
(1 review)
On May 11, 2021, victor2020 Duluth, GA wrote:

This is the most unethical company on the internet. Although they scammed me for only $69.76, I am determined to exhaust all of my options to expose their fraudulent practices. They truly insult customer’s intelligence with their false advertisements. What you see on their site is not what they will send you.
On April 19th, I went to their site and order 2 Lupine Woodfield Hybrids and Lupine Mini Gallery™ Red. It shows the picture of the plants and colorful flowers. At the end of the order, I never receive the status of my order. I then sent them two emails which they never replied to. On April 29th, I received a generic email that shipping time is “The Week Of May 3rd, 2021”. Please keep in mind that this company is in Ohio, and I live in Georgia.
On May 11th, I received tiny dead plants, no flowers as shown on their site, the soil was parched ( they were not in a soil pot), and most of the plants had gray dead-looking stems.
With the two attempts to reach them before, I feel they are aware of their fraudulent practice, so not answering calls or emails. While the review link on their site is loaded with fake positive reviews, other external sites say otherwise. There are countless decent businesses available to the consumer. When it comes to Bluestone Perennials, buyer beware!

Negative Suellen5333
(1 review)
On May 8, 2021, Suellen5333 Sutherlin,
United States wrote:

Below is the email I sent to Bluestone Perrenials. No response from the company

Hello,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with an order I received last fall. The order number is 742666. As you can see from the previous email last fall, one of the allium bulbs was completely rotten. The other four bulbs were moldy and shriveled, but not rotted through. You refunded a whopping 1.19 for the one completely rotten bulb. Now that it is spring, one of the four remaining bulbs has come up and it looks like it has a flower bud. It remains to be seen if it will indeed open because the tulip bulbs I bought at the same time did not all open. I will discuss the tulips in a minute. The other three allium bulbs came up, but they are thin strips of foliage (like when a tulip gets old and no longer flowers) and they are not forming flower buds, nor do they look like they could. The picture below shows the one allium with a bud at the bottom of the frame. The other ones are just straps of foliage as I described

(unable to attach picture in this review)

I ordered Beautiful Blends Tulip Twilight Sparkle, which was supposed to be six dark purple tulips and six pink tulips. What I got was 8 pink tulips, 4 dark purple tulips--one of which never opened--and one scraggly white tulip that was not even supposed to be there.

(unable to attach picture in this review)

One of the dark purple tulips never opened. See picture below

(unable to attach picture in this review)

It is too soon to know the fate of the other items I ordered, but the yarrow looks scrawny and there are no signs of the cimicifuga.

I hope that you will make an effort to restore my faith in your company by refunding the amount of my entire order.

Negative parrotmomma
(1 review)
On Apr 14, 2021, parrotmomma Woodbridge, NJ wrote:

I’ve been purchasing plants from Bluestone for almost 20 years. I don’t know what’s recently happened to their customer service. It’s not there at all. I placed an online order April 2, 2021. Paid by PalPal. Spent over $100. I never received a confirmation. I called them last week and was told they would reissue the confirmation thru the computer system to my email. I was told the shipment was scheduled to ship the week of April 12. I never did receive the confirmation. I called again today, spoke to Kelly at 10 AM. She saw my order in her computer, she said. Then her computer froze. She could not help me. She asked for my telephone number. Said she would call me back. I never got a call back and it’s now after 5 PM EST. Bluestone has my $113 but they do not have my respect at this point. I hope to get my plants shortly. Very frustrating.

Negative Chrissycf
(6 reviews)
On Oct 5, 2020, Chrissycf Columbia, MO wrote:

Received tiny, dried out seriously wilted plants and a box full of loose dirt. The roots were nearly entirely bare and bone dry. One plant is still struggling to recover. I planted them all as soon as I could get them rehydrated and acclimated to my garden. One remained wilted, the rest are in stasis, showing almost no growth. I doubt they will survive the winter. Not worth the price compared to the plants I got at the local nurseries which were far cheaper, a lot larger, much more vigorous and took off beautifully after they were planted. The coconut hull pots dry out too much in transit and the roots end up bare seriously damaging the plants and making a HUGE spilled soil mess when you open the box.
I canceled the rest of my order and received a refund after I submitted photos of the pathetic plants I paid a premium price to get.


On Oct 5, 2020, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Oct 6, 2020 8:20 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I am sorry you did not give us the opportunity to reship your order. It sounds like your plants were too long in transit and tossed around which occasionally happens, unfortunately. The offer still stands. I would like to reship that first order at no cost to you, as a sample of a more typical shipment. Please be in touch? Jan helpdesk@bluestoneperennials.com"


Negative loveplants101
(3 reviews)
On Sep 25, 2020, loveplants101 Arlington, VA wrote:

Ordered 2 grasses. They were dry as a bone and so tiny. They should be ashamed of themselves for the money they charged. Other online suppliers send 5x the size for the same species and price. Literally one of the plants had 3 blades of grass. What a joke.
I have ordered before from them and it was just ok but this is ridiculous. Learned my lesson with them. Off the list.


On Sep 25, 2020, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Sep 26, 2020 10:57 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I am so sorry your order arrived in such a condition! Please be in touch with us so that we can reship or refund. I would not throw those plants away, however, as some grasses are going dormant now and may surprise you in the spring. You deserve a better looking plant for your investment however and I hope you will give us the chance to make it right. You are welcome to correspond with me (Jan) directly at helpdesk@bluestoneperennials if you'd like."


Negative pmleo
(1 review)
On Jun 26, 2020, pmleo Fayetteville, AR wrote:

Posted on June 22, 2020, updated June 26, 2020
Posted on June 19, 2020, updated June 22, 2020
Posted on June 19, 2020, updated June 19, 2020
Posted on June 12, 2020, updated June 19, 2020
To date, Bluestone has neglected to send or refund money due for non-shipment of remainder of my order.
They sent three plants, two of which were not adequately prepared for shipment.The box had the soil out of the pots and the plants scattered at the bottom of the box.
I have ordered from this company for many years; it is hard for me to understand why they would steal...yes, steal my money! They are not responding to any of my requests to make good! I am ashamed for this company,


On June 19th, 2020, pmleo added the following:

Order #684740.
Not a word from this company.
They must be guilty of thievery. I am so angry
They post nice replies on Dave's Garden,when it comes to action, they fail miserably.
May have to take them to small claims court. This would perhaps get their attention at least.
On June 19th, 2020, pmleo added the following:

I forgot to add that no person can get through by telephone.
On June 22nd, 2020, pmleo added the following:

Thus far, no contact, no plants, and no reimbursement. Order #684740 remains in limbo.Is this company closing its doors?

Do they need money so badly they do not honor their commitment as written in the company statement?
On June 26th, 2020, pmleo added the following:

At last restitution!!! Now I need to either change my rating, or leave it as a negative.

I will probably order more plants from Bluestone in the future. But that doesn't diminish the response time it took to resolve such a petty complaint. In the past service has been exceptional.

I leave it a negative though.
On Jun 26, 2020, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Jun 15, 2020 2:04 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I am sorry you have had such a difficult time reaching us! You are not alone in that and we are frustrated, too. This is not the way we typically do business. This spring saw a surge of demand that our staff was unable to keep up with. We are a small staff, and have been, and continue to be, inundated. It should let up soon. I am sure your requests are in the queue but I would like to help. Unfortunately, I have no way to know who you are in this forum, but you are welcome to correspond with me directly helpdesk@bluestoneperennials.com Please give me an order number or your name and address so that I can begin to make things right. If we owe you money, you will most certainly get it - do not worry! Jan


On Jun 23, 2020 1:06 PM, Bluestone Perennials added:

Thanks for posting your order number, pmleo. Several items you ordered were sold as 'Pre-order for Fall shipment' and are scheduled to come to you in early September. I apologize if that was not made apparent on your acknowledgement and packing sheet. We are making improvements to the visibility of that information for the future. Typically we are not usually in a situation to have so many items sold out for the current season. Due to the extraordinary interest in gardening during the stay-at-home orders, we came close to selling out completely! If you would prefer a refund for the fall items, please let me know and I will process it. We are still running behind on correspondence and I apologize for my tardy response. Jan"


Negative judyknese
(1 review)
On Jun 22, 2020, judyknese douglaston,
United States wrote:

I ordered plants plants on April 16 - all plants were in stock. After not hearing from them I emailed and was told week of May 11, I received one plant out of four, the other three being Hidcote lavender. I emailed again - no reply and tried calling several times (always after 1 pm), line was always busy. Finally got through on June 4th to find out they were out of the lavender and it would then be shipped in the Fall. Not what I wanted - I received a refund, but not an email informing me at an earlier date that the lavender was not available. I understand that Covid interrupted normalcy, but communication via email is extremely doable. Very disappointed.

Negative hamptons
(3 reviews)
On May 13, 2020, hamptons Watermill, NY wrote:

Last year I bought Veronica pink marshmallow. I planted it next to a fully grown Veronica pink marshmallow. They got the same light, water, etc. It died. I notified the company & they did replace it in the fall. It was small, I planted it following instructions & it didn’t come back at all.

But this one takes the cake - I ordered 3 rose campion plants. I planted them & they grew. At least, the foliage did. I kept waiting for flowers, but they never came. At the end of the season - still no flowers. I took a photo & google imaged it. No wonder there were no flowers - they were lambs ears! They weren’t rose campion at all.

I also bought Rosie poise agastache. It was small & didn’t come back this year. It’s in full sun.


On May 13, 2020, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On May 13, 2020 1:55 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Hello hamptons - I hope you will give us a chance to make amends. If you will be in touch, we would be happy to send another V. Pink Marshmallow. Re: the Rose Campion - I hope you didn't pull them out, but I would be happy to send 3 more. I am soldout this spring but I could send them in the fall - or something else now if you would prefer. I still have A. Rosie Posie and could send one as well. Please email me directly at helpdesk@bluestoneperennials.com. Be well, Jan"


Negative sojoyful
(5 reviews)
On May 11, 2020, sojoyful Merrimack, NH wrote:

Last summer I placed an advance order for Phlox Blue Paradise, to be shipped this month. With shipping, I paid $22.90. It arrived right on schedule, and was securely packed. However, I received a tiny plant with a single stem. The plant itself is healthy and I think it will grow in strong over time, but for more than $20 I was expecting a lot more than this itty bitty plug.


On May 11, 2020, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Jun 10, 2020 2:41 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I apologize for the size of the plant you were sent. It should not have gotten shipped, most likely, due to its size. If you are dissatisfied (if the plant has not seen substantial growth), please be in touch with our customer service folks - service@bluestoneperennials.com or with me directly - helpdesk@bluestoneperennials and we can reship this fall or refund if you prefer. I hope to hear from you - Jan"


Negative Jaredc
(6 reviews)
On Apr 21, 2020, Jaredc Portsmouth, NH wrote:

I have done business with bluestone perennials in the past, the plants were acceptable at the time for something i couldn't find locally.
However I just received their new catalog and can't believe how ridiculous the prices are for a tiny plant grown in a 3.5 inch pot, plus shipping!
There are many other vendors out there that offer larger quality plants at a much better price!
I will not being doing business with bluestone again any time in the near future.

Negative brahmabantam
(8 reviews)
On Sep 12, 2019, brahmabantam Rimrock, WA (Zone 5b) wrote:

I’m going against the grain here because I see most people have rave reviews about Bluestone. I was tempted to give a neutral review under some sort of peer pressure mentality but my husband told me I have to be honest and so I’m leaving a negative review. I ordered a couple hundred dollars worth of shade perennials from Bluestone this spring. I ordered from Bluestone because of Dave’s garden watchdog. I have benefited so much from these reviews in general and was excited looking forward to some great astilbe, dicentra, columbine and ferns from Bluestone. The first batch of plants arrived very dry and stressed out, but given the long distance we are from Bluestone, I didn’t complain (we are in rural eastern WA Cascades). I watered the plants immediately upon arrival following the instructions that came with the plants and hoped for the best. Thinking it wouldn’t happen again, especially given the great reviews, I ordered another batch that were partially dead on arrival from lack of water. The coir pots that Bluestone uses accelerated drying, I think, and we are in a very dry climate. Plus I was astonished that the plants from Bluestone were shipped so slowly. They were in transit for 5 to 7 or more days! I contacted Bluestone and they very promptly shipped replacement plants. However, I’d much rather receive healthy, lovely plants from the beginning and spare myself the trouble (and environmental waste) of having replacement plants shipped.

The reason I am only now leaving a negative review is that it is September, soon to be October frosts, and the plants from Bluestone have only struggled at best. I want to blame the coir pots but would have to dig up the struggling plants to check, and I haven’t done that. I waited to give a review because I wanted to give the plants a chance to recovery, but they have fared poorly compared to other plants I put in nearby locations this spring. I stared native columbines from seed this winter that are doing better than the Bluestone columbines. Also, astilbe I purchased at local nurseries are doing better, as are plants I ordered from Annie’s (who I highly recommend for people in the western US). The Annie’s plants are gorgeous right now. For the Bluestone plants, from the get-go I hated the pots. As I said I think they dried out the plant roots during shipping and I suspect they bind up the plant roots. One thing I liked about Annie’s is that Annie’s used plastic pots which are more moisture retentive plus Annie’s wraps the soil surface with wax paper. (I reuse all of my plastic pots for years, even decades, for seed starting and transplants so I have relatively little heartburn about buying plants (in small quantities) in plastic pots.)

I do want to note for the record that I am an experienced gardener - we grow all our own veggies year round, plus cut flowers in generous proportions for ourselves an neighbors in the growing season.

Bluestone may work well for folks in the Midwest and east where conditions are wetter, and closer to their nursery, but for us the Bluestone plants did not work well. I do not plan to order any additional plants from this company unless I know that they package their plants better (to withstand drying conditions, and those awful coir pots) and ship their plants faster. It is a bummer because Bluestone has such a nice selection.


On Sep 12, 2019, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Sep 30, 2019 2:48 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Please be in touch with us so that we can send replacements on those items that are struggling - either immediately or in the spring if you prefer. A refund is also an option. Re: the pots: You are welcome to remove the top half or all of the coir pot if you prefer, and perhaps in your dry situation it might be helpful. Removing the pots can damage some of the roots, but it usually only sets the plant back by a week or two - it will soon catch up. I fear one of your shipments was too long in transit, and I hope you will try us again and/or let us make up for your disappointing experience."


Negative dsheldon3
(1 review)
On Jun 9, 2018, dsheldon3 Youngstown, OH (Zone 6a) wrote:

My plants arrived by regular mail and left on my porch upside down,None of the plants were in their containers and were straggly tossed about the box amongst the scattered dirt.After reading so many positive reviews I really expected better.I wish they would use a better carrier than just regular postal mail.


On Jun 9, 2018, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Jun 11, 2018 9:46 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

So sorry to hear your order was mangled in transit. Please be in touch and we will reship immediately!"


Negative robeezee3
(20 reviews)
On May 23, 2018, robeezee3 Millstone Township, NJ (Zone 6a) wrote:

Posted on May 26, 2003, updated May 23, 2018
Have ordered from Bluestone - friends had warned me that the plants would be smallish, but would be healthy and grow well.

Have had 100% survival; many perennials are better and more adaptable when purchased as smaller specimens as opposed to big pot-bound hulks from the nursery. Can't say anything about their customer service department, as I have never had to contact them.


On May 7th, 2006, robeezee3 added the following:

Bluestone continues to be a reliable supplier. One thing you have to watch - they sell small plants in individual
"Packs". Recently, I ordered Sweet Woodruff from them (a large number of packs to use as plugs to form a ground cover). Plants arrived healthy and well-packed, as usual, but when I checked my local nurseries, the cost per plant at Bluestone was actually higher. So, as has been pointed out in other reviews, its always best to check the stock of reputable local nurseries before going to mail order firms, and then, stick to the better ones like Bluestone - I can't say their plants were not healthy and as promised.
On May 23rd, 2018, robeezee3 changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

Some time ago, Bluestone Perennials was known as a less expensive source for perennial plants. Quality was ok, but the size of the plants was small, commensurate with their prices.

I recently ordered 8 Heuchera plants. The plants arrived in 4 inch pots, in good condition. However, in comparing Bluestone's prices for these small plants, I find that their prices are comparable to mail order nurseries offering larger and more mature specimens.

I don't believe that the value proposition is there, compared to some of the other vendors here on the list.
On May 23, 2018, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On May 24, 2018 1:52 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I am glad to hear that your plants arrived in good condition. In 2007 we switched to a larger product size based on customer demand. And at about that time we switched to the coconut fiber plantable pot and our all-recyclable packaging as well. It was hard to let the smaller economical 3 packs go (and even, back in the early days we sold 6 packs!), but our customers have been very pleased with the new size, the ease of the pots and the environmentally friendly packaging. I hope you will find the more mature, more vigorous plants and our extensive plant list inviting. One thing that did not change was our guarantee! We are indeed a different Bluestone from 13 years ago - better in many ways - but still offering quality plants delivered to your door. Guaranteed."


Negative lynnki
(1 review)
On Apr 21, 2018, lynnki State College, PA wrote:

I placed my first order with Bluestone Perrenial 2 months ago, and I just received it in the mail. The primary reason I placed an order was that I was interested in Veronica Tidal Pool. I paid $15.95 plus shipping for this plant - which is not cheap compared to what local nurseries charge for a new plant - and what I received is ridiculous for the price! I have a few trailing springs, and not a full pot. I’m trying to understand why a plant that is supposed to be a super fast spreading plant with a height of 2-3 inches and flowers blooming in late April to May would be just a few trailing springs without flowers on it and would not cover the entire small pot. I am very disappointed, and I would not recommend this company!


On Apr 21, 2018, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Apr 21, 2018 2:39 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I am so sorry that we disappointed you. I understand you have already been in contact with our office manager and a full refund has been issued, as you requested. "


Negative mike6710301
(3 reviews)
On Jun 14, 2016, mike6710301 Staten Island, NY wrote:

Posted on June 14, 2016, updated June 14, 2016
Last year I bought a hollyhock, among other plants, from BP. This plant is a biennial, so I expected a flower stalk. Nothing but a few leaves on the ground. This year it has so far produced a few leaves on the ground and doesn't seem to want to produce a flower stalk.

I first tried to email them, but the message didn't get through. Today, I called them and spoke to someone who didn't seem to know anything about flowers. When I asked why it didn't seem to want to flower, I was told twice it needed to seed to get more flowers. What?

Finally I was told they would replace it, but I told them I didn't want their products anymore.

I cannot recommend this place at all. The other plants I bought from them didn't come back despite being perennials.


On June 14th, 2016, mike6710301 changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

Edited to reflect wrong rating.
Negative kadybug
(1 review)
On May 11, 2016, kadybug Seattle, WA wrote:

I spent a good amount of money on some perennials. I followed the instructions but most of the plants died. Such a waste.


On May 11, 2016, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On May 16, 2016 3:43 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We are sorry to hear about the plants you lost. Please be in touch so that we can reship or refund. Your plants are guaranteed. We also have a Help Desk that could answer any questions you might have about replanting. 800-852-5243"


Negative nw6b
(2 reviews)
On May 13, 2015, nw6b Moorestown, NJ wrote:

I ordered from Bluestone Perennials (BP) last fall on the basis of the overwhelming positive feedback on Dave's Garden. Unfortunately, my experience did not live up to the hype. I order a variety of perennials and all have been disappointments. I won't be ordering from BP again.

I ordered irises, phlox, shasta daisies, baptisia, mums, and a peony, all of which I planted last fall. At the same time, I planted other perennials (different varieties of the same plants) purchased from another online retailer and a local garden center. Whereas the other plants are thriving, none of the plants from BP are doing well.

The irises seem to have survived, but they are so thin and weak, they are hardly distinguishable from blades of grass. The phlox and daisies have yet to show any growth. The peonies from Adelmans have each sent up 3 or 4 stems, all of which are about 2' tall already and are forming small buds, but the peony from BP hasn't sent up a single shoot. If I hadn't put a stake in the ground where I planted it, you wouldn't know there is a peony root there.

I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but it is well earned.


On May 13, 2015, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On May 27, 2015 3:08 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I hope you will be in touch so that we can make things right for you. Your purchases are guaranteed and we can reship or refund per your wishes. I apologize that the new plants struggled to do well over the winter."


Negative Gully
(15 reviews)
On May 26, 2014, Gully Ellicott City, MD wrote:

Posted on July 8, 2013, updated May 26, 2014
Posted on May 7, 2013, updated July 8, 2013
My first order with this company. Plants arrived as scheduled, nicely packaged. Healthy and a nice size. Coco pots are great, will not be my last order.


On July 8th, 2013, Gully changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:

Plants ordered this spring have not thrived. They are still alive but not doing as well as other plants purchased elsewhere, having very little, if any, growth. I have come to believe this is because of their coir pots. Like others have said, I wish I had removed them before planting.It looks like I will have to replace them with plants purchased elsewhere.
On May 26th, 2014, Gully changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

Sadly, not one single plant survived the winter which I believe is due to the Coir pots. The plants died but the coir pots are still completely intact. I would highly recommend to future buyers to remove them before planting. Disappointing experience.
On May 26, 2014, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Jul 21, 2014 2:49 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I am so sorry to hear your plants did not survive this year's brutal winter. So many people have lost so many plants!

We have made several improvements to our pots since you ordered, and we have since discovered that they do not disappear in the soil, they decompose slowly and amend the soil, becoming part of the soil. The pots can be removed, but we find it sets the plants back by 3-4 weeks as they recover, but they will catch up to the plants planted in the coir pots during the season, so it really comes down to personal preference. Our newer versions are thinner, and just as easy to work with. I personally do not use mulch in my garden, so I plant in the pot, but trim off the top rim of the pot (3/4") with a scissors as I plant so that the rim does not show above ground. It only takes a moment, and I like the look.

I hope you will give our plants(and pots!) another try, and that Mother Nature will be more kind to us all this coming winter. Jan / Helpdesk"


Negative CalifNative
(1 review)
On Apr 18, 2014, CalifNative Arcadia, CA wrote:

I'm shocked to find myself giving Bluestone Perennials a negative review, but I can't help it.

I started ordering from BP back in the last millennium--before they even had a web site. I was always, ALWAYS thrilled with the plants I received, both in terms of how they arrived and how they ended up growing.

But last year's order yielded a terrible surprise of plants that were not thriving when they arrived--and 90% of which have since died. They included several varieties of Iberis, along with Stachys, Penstemon, Viola, and Clematis.

In the past, on the very rare occasions when I had a problem with a BP plant, I contacted them and they immediately and fairly took care of the issue. This time, though, I've held off contacting them because I'm concerned that it'll seem outrageous, as in I'm making it up so I can get a bunch of free plants. But I'm not making it up, and I am extremely disappointed.

Also, while I wholeheartedly approve of their switch to biodegradable pots, what I'm finding with their new coir pots is that they're not dissolving as expected, even a year after being planted. So it's a good idea, but not quite there yet as far as working as expected.


On Apr 18, 2014, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Apr 21, 2014 11:01 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I hope you will be in touch with us so that we can make amends on your order. We appreciate that growing perennials in California can be challenging, especially with the recent drought conditions in much of your state, but we stand behind our plants and we can always, if nothing else, refund your purchase price. I also wanted to let you know that we have made several changes in our pots, and continue to make improvements every year as our experience with them grows. Our current pots are much thinner than the originals, and we have found that, rather than dissolving (so to speak) they are gradually becoming part of the soil - a soil amendment as it were - and will be identifiable/visible for years, especially if your soil is not consistently moist (which allows the pot to decompose). You should not hesitate to cut off the top rim if your area is hot and dry, as this will improve the look and tucking the pot below the soil line will allow the needed contact with moisture that speeds the breakdown."


Negative daigwil
(1 review)
On Jan 8, 2014, daigwil Iowa City, IA (Zone 5a) wrote:

Sorry Guys, I used to order from Bluestone quite a lot, but I had the same experience with others with these coir pots. Quite a lot of the plants died, and when I looked the following spring the pots were still there, in one piece. It seems like a good idea, but it just didn't work reliably enough, at least in my experience. And the prices increased enough that I really couldn't justify paying thata much for their plants. They do have an awesome selection, so if you are looking for something really specific, it might be worth a shot, but now I just stick to my local nurseries.

Negative stormcloud
(21 reviews)
On Oct 30, 2013, stormcloud Yonkers, NY wrote:

Posted on May 19, 2013, updated October 30, 2013
Posted on May 15, 2013, updated May 19, 2013
Posted on May 15, 2013, updated May 15, 2013
Posted on May 14, 2013, updated May 15, 2013
Posted on May 21, 2012, updated May 14, 2013
Posted on April 17, 2012, updated May 21, 2012
Posted on April 17, 2012, updated April 17, 2012
Posted on April 29, 2011, updated April 17, 2012
Posted on October 12, 2010, updated April 29, 2011
Posted on May 21, 2008, updated October 12, 2010
I have just received my 4th order from this company. I was quite disappointed as the Astibles were in terrible bent over and broken condition due to the packing peanuts. I wrote the company and they immediately shipped out a replacement order without further questioning. You cannot beat that for customer service. I would highly recommend buying from this company. I will most surely continue buying at Bluestone.


On April 24th, 2009, stormcloud added the following:

2009-update
Bluestone Perennials remains one of the best online nursery's in customer satisfaction as well as fairly priced plants of high quality. In my opinion and I have ordered from many !
On October 12th, 2010, stormcloud added the following:

BLUESTONE is the best....you can count on them to always be reliable and stand behind their products without giving anyone a hardtime.

On April 29th, 2011, stormcloud added the following:

I placed an order here mid winter and it arrived as scheduled in early April.
Apparently shipped too early as some teeny tiny seedlings were crushed,and broken. The quickly replaced them with hearty looking plants so they are as good as their word regarding their guarantee.
Their packing is just terrible and things arrived dumped and broken when you finally get thru the peanuts to locate the plants.
I DO THINK THEY ARE THE BEST ONLINE NURSERY TO ORDER FROM AND I WILL CONTINUE.
On April 17th, 2012, stormcloud added the following:

Yesterday my Bluestone order arrived and was I ever shocked ! Opened the box quickly since it was very hot here....the little plants are just as full and perky as can be,
The new packaging is fantastic and well worth paying more for.NOW ALL I HAVE TO DO IS HOPE THEY GROW !! LOVE THIS COMPANY !
On April 17th, 2012, stormcloud added the following:

P.S. With all the poor companies online, and I have had my fill of them, I cannot imagine why anyone would give a negative rating to Bluestone.
On May 21st, 2012, stormcloud added the following:

I received another terrific order from Bluestone !! Went ahead and placed yet one more since there were coupons in the box with the order.
The first group are in bloom already !! I just love these new pots....top soil did fall out during shipping but added a few spoons of soil until I got to planting..This has been a great experience for me as I am handicapped and do most all of my ordering on line. I have received so much junk and so many problems from several online nurseries and am just delighted with what I have received from Bluestone !! MANY THANKS FOLKS !
On May 14th, 2013, stormcloud changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:

I am no longer happy with Bluestone perennials. Not a one of the plants I ordered and planted last year (2012) has returned this Spring. Each of my other perennials is up and thriving. I was so pleased with the coir planter pots when they arrived but I am so disappointed now.
What has further happened is i wanted Dorothy Rose Aquiligia and nowhere cold I locate them except at Bluestone. So I took a chance and ordered 3 and they arrived last night...Another great disappointment !
One of these tiny little plants has the main stem broken off. They are each 2 leaved plans and a total disgrace at $9.5 each plus $9.99 shipping I thought I could expect a reasonable order to be delivered. NOT SO.
I do not know what has happened to this former top 30 garden center.
On May 15th, 2013, stormcloud changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

Unfortunately I feel the need to post NEGATIVE on my feedback now.
I wrote to the company about the defective plant I was sent along with other issues....
They have not responded to either my personal e mail or my neutral post on here. I am so disappointed...what has happened to this once great company ?
On May 15th, 2013, stormcloud changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:

OK..perhaps I changed my original rating too quickly, however they do say to notify them as soon as possible if plants arrive damaged.
I am terribly aggravated over all the dead and not dissolved plants from last year .
I will wait until the new plants arrive and then may upgrade once again. Original email was sent on the 13th.
Thank you for responding here.
On May 19th, 2013, stormcloud added the following:

Bluestone is a reliable honest company. They have replaced the the 3 Columbine they originally sent with reasonable plants. However, I am not changing my rating from neutral because I do not think it should be necessary to go through all this in order to get something reasonable for their high prices. The new plants are more than double the size of the original ones which should never have been shipped in the first place.
On October 30th, 2013, stormcloud changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

I need to update my comments for others to read. Not even 1 of the items I bought from Bluestone in the past 2
years has survived.
When I remove the dead plants from the ground they are still intact in the coir pots having not ever grown at all.
I do not know what has happened to this once A+ company .
It is much too embarrassing to be writing to complain to Bluestone so I will just not be buying from them again.
On Oct 30, 2013, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On May 15, 2013 1:30 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We received the email you sent last night when we opened this morning, and the office will be responding directly via email to resolve your shipping damage with either a reshipment or a refund, at your request. Also, we were notified of your change in our ranking this morning, and I have every faith we will be able to regain your trust in us. We are the same company we have been for 40+ years, and we stand behind our plants - guaranteed! Note: the office advises me we are reshipping your Aquilegias today."


Negative ClevelandLinda
(1 review)
On Aug 15, 2013, ClevelandLinda Cleveland, OH (Zone 6a) wrote:

I ordered 2 viburnums - one arrived dead and the other hasn't grown beyond the 6 leaves it came with. Three dropmores also arrived dead. The aster I ordered is doing very well. Bluestone will be sending replacements of the DOA plants. Bluestone's plants are very small for the price.


On Aug 15, 2013, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Aug 28, 2013 10:41 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

I'm glad you have given us the chance to make good on your order. I am sorry your original order arrived in poor condition, and I have every faith that the next set will arrive in great shape. Please don't hesitate to let us know, as we can take further action if needed."


Negative miss_sassy
(4 reviews)
On Jul 8, 2013, miss_sassy Milwaukee, WI wrote:

Posted on February 7, 2010, updated July 8, 2013
I ordered 13 plants from Bluestone during a half price sale. I ordered Astible, Sweet Woodruff, Sandwort, and White Bleeding Heart.

The plants were small but healthy. Some of the items I got were purchased with the future season in mind so I can't tell about their blooms but the plants grew and spread beautifully over the summer. My Astilbes bloomed and were lovely.

The only problematic plant was the White Bleeding Heart which arrived broken. I was assured by the friendly customer service agent to plant it and it should come up in the spring so time will tell. If it does not, I was told to call for a replacement. Reading the feedback on this site and from my own experience, I truly trust that this will be the case. I just hope I won't have to as I will love to have a blooming white bleeding heart this spring!


On July 8th, 2013, miss_sassy changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

I hate to write this complaint about Bluestone as I have thoroughly enjoyed ordering from them for years and given a few gift certificates. However, as another reviewer noted, you just don't want to call customer service and complain again about dead plants.

Unfortunately, over half of my order from last year did not come back this year. I think it might be their coir pots. The plant aren't there but the pots still are from last year - they haven't completely broken down. I wish I had taken the plants out of the pots to plant them.

I also have a few more expensive plants from them that have failed to thrive or died from previous years (two clematis and a hydrangea come to mind).

I wish there had been another outcome. Receiving the Bluestone catalog in the winter gets me dreaming of summer. I love their selection and while the replacement policy is great, I just don't feel comfortable calling and asking for a replacement for so many plants.
Negative ferncrazy
(3 reviews)
On May 26, 2013, ferncrazy San Francisco, CA wrote:

I emailed them and to date have received no reply. I informed them that my Armeria rubrifolias arrived very dry, many buds, very dry, foliage next to the coir collar brown. I finally removed the coir collars, have watered them daily, they may or may not survive. The next order came shortly after. Planting mix bone dry.
I compared their geranium phaeum "Samobor" with another vendor's I received same time. Bluestone's is yellowed, small- leaved. Magic Garden Store's is large, green, gorgeous shape. I won't buy from Bluestone again.


On May 26, 2013, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On May 28, 2013 11:12 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Hello ferncrazy, I have checked into this with our office manager and I am glad to hear you are in direct correspondence with us as we resolve the situation. I apologize that we were not able to answer emails over the holiday weekend."


Negative revclaus
(27 reviews)
On May 8, 2013, revclaus (Judith) Denver, CO (Zone 5b) wrote:

Posted on February 12, 2012, updated May 8, 2013
Posted on April 9, 2004, updated February 12, 2012
Last summer I ordered a couple of sale plants from Bluestone, and they arrived quickly and in great shape. Even though planted in June, they bloomed throughout the summer, and are getting ready to bloom now.

This year I ordered a few more things: daisies, ornamental grass, lobelia and a hosta, and they arrived exactly when I asked them to and in great shape. The plants promise to do as well as last year's sale plants. I would definitely order from Bluestone again.


On May 21st, 2009, revclaus added the following:

Nothing but glowing comments for my Bluestone orders this year. They've increased the size of some of their plants -- much appreciated -- and they're always packed extremely well. My newest plants are up and growing, beating out all the competition (except for Rosy Dawn coleus plants!).
On February 12th, 2012, revclaus changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

I loved Bluestone and was thrilled to see the new coir pots. But when I checked into the website earlier this year and discovered the pricing that went with the new pots I was crushed. I'm a widow on a small fixed income and can no longer afford to buy from Bluestone. As with many of the other negative comments about the price change, the value at Bluestone was the ability to buy three perennials at a low price even if I did have to wait a year for the plant to catch up to the pricier plants at other garden centers and online sources. So now I'll be shopping locally where I can still get smaller plants at a lower price.

I'm sure they've invested a lot of money in their new system, so I don't think they'll have any way of reversing course given the negative feedback from so many long-time users. It's a shame, because they filled a niche market need. But now only the well-off can purchase there.

Last year's plants were awesome and did very well. I'm sad that Bluestone can no longer serve my needs.
On May 8th, 2013, revclaus added the following:

I bought a clematis in 2011. When it arrived it was dry and falling out of the pot. Bluestone sent me another. It did not do well, so they replaced it again. They didn't have to do that so I was appreciative. But it was a much smaller pot like they used to send. It did all right last year but this year not so much. Weather related: we had two days of 9 degree weather and three blizzards in late April and early May. Everything on the vine died but there are some shoots coming up. I had also bought gaillardia plants which were awesome last year and the year before. Also some campanula which are doing well. Bluestone is the place where I will buy perennials, but that will always be smaller than if I buy them locally. The beauty of Bluestone is the variety available.
Negative pupgirl
(2 reviews)
On Apr 8, 2013, pupgirl Townsend, DE wrote:

I ordered a clematis "Royalty" a year and a half ago, and it died. Bluestone sent me a replacement last spring, and the poor thing is struggling so badly, I almost want to put it out of its misery. It is still less than 6 inches tall. Meanwhile, the clematis I ordered from Brushwood Nursery grows like a weed every year. I am done with Bluestone - their quality is just not as good as it used to be.


On Apr 8, 2013, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Apr 9, 2013 9:29 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We are so sorry to hear that neither of the Clematis Royalty that we sent did well for you. If you would be in touch directly, we can refund your money, or send any other plant selection of your choice. We would like the opportunity to regain your trust. Please give us the chance to do so? 1-800-852-5243 or helpdesk@bluestoneperennials.com


On Apr 16, 2013 4:10 PM, Bluestone Perennials added:

Thank you for being in touch and allowing us to resolve this per your wishes."


Negative smwgarden
(1 review)
On Jul 1, 2012, smwgarden Shawnee Mission, KS (Zone 5b) wrote:

I have ordered from Bluestone many times in the past because I loved their "3 small plants" pricing structure. I emailed them and complained to when they announced their change to the new coir pots and increased their prices. They said the plants would be significantly larger than they used to be in the 3 packs. But I ordered this spring, and they're not. Now, Bluestone is charging as much for small plants as I pay for significantly larger plants at my local nurseries. So I won't be ordering from them again unless I find something really unusual in their catalog. It's too bad -- they're reputable, nice people. But they've lost a good customer.

Negative AS
(46 reviews)
On May 18, 2012, AS (Zone 7a) wrote:

Posted on March 10, 2012, updated May 18, 2012
Posted on September 23, 2011, updated March 10, 2012
Posted on August 8, 2011, updated September 23, 2011
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated August 8, 2011
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated June 4, 2011
Posted on September 24, 2010, updated June 4, 2011
Posted on April 13, 2010, updated September 24, 2010
Posted on June 15, 2003, updated April 13, 2010
I placed my first order with Bluestone this year, and am very pleased. Their small perennials are already almost as big as the ones I bought in the local garden center this spring. And, though I was skeptical about the shrubs, they surprised me. I planted the three tiny shrubs - a weigelia, butterfly bush, and white forsythia - in big pots to let them grow a bit before planting them out this fall. Already, they're turning into nice-sized shrubs, and the weigela actually bloomed this spring. After some miserable experiences with some other (reputable) mail order companies lately, it's nice to find a company that does it right the first time


On April 13th, 2010, AS added the following:

Since my first order, I've ordered nearly every year from Bluestone. They are just plain consistently good. This year, I'm starting a new garden with their plants. Tiny though they are, I know from years past that they'll do very well and impress me even their first year.

On the rare occasions that I've had to ask their customer service dept. for a replacement plant or two (mainly for plants smashed in transit by UPS), they have been excellent.
On September 24th, 2010, AS added the following:

Just wanted to add that that a wide variety of their perennials survived, and even thrived, during the summer-long record heatwave. (what someone said about their plants being part-cactus must be true. :) ) Most even grew quite a bit. The catmint, salvia, hardy geraniums and gaura, which arrived in their usual tiny pots, are already almost full size. Their salvia actually outgrew a much bigger plant I transplanted from my old garden. Bluestone's plants have always done well for me, but this summer was really a test of plant health. They came through with flying colors.
On June 4th, 2011, AS added the following:

My two orders this spring (regular spring order and clearance sale purchases) were fine as usual, and everything is thriving, except one plant that was eaten by a critter (it happens).

It's probably too late to help, but I wanted to share my method of dealing with the peanuts in case anyone still has an order coming. I always remove the plants from the peanuts, instead of the peanuts from the plants. In other words, I go into the garage or the laundry room, fish around and find a pot, pull it out, shake plant to remove any stray peanuts, set plant on floor. Repeat until all plants are out, then dive into the peanuts for the plant tray, turn it sideways, pull it out, and replace the plants in the tray. I end up with almost no peanuts on the floor, and it takes 5 minutes.

Actually, I had a persistent peanut that wouldn't come loose on the mock orange this last order - until I realized it was actually a bud. Surprisingly, that tiny plant has burst into bloom. The shrubs do seem to vary quite a bit - from more-or-less sticks to well-branched (and now blooming) shrubs.
On June 4th, 2011, AS added the following:

My one fear with the new packing system is that shipping costs will go up. The peanuts were cheap, and worked, so I didn't mind them (except for feeling slightly guilty about the ecological impact).
On August 8th, 2011, AS added the following:

Just received my new Bluestone catalog, and I'm disappointed. I liked this company because I could fill new borders inexpensively with lots of healthy plants that grew fast. But all of their plants now seem to be sold in what used to be their "large pot" (3.5" square) size - though now 4" instead of 5" deep. Plants I could have bought this spring at 3 for $14-16 are now $8-$9 apiece. This also makes their shipping charges correspondingly higher per plant. As an experienced gardener, their coco fiber pots are no great inducement - I have nothing against them, but I've planted hundreds of plants from plastic pots without losing them. What a pity - Bluestone really was the backbone of my garden for many years. I'll still order from them, but only the occasional plant.
On September 23rd, 2011, AS changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:

I didn't want to downgrade them from positive based just on the price increase, but now...

I am not at all impressed by the new coco pots, which are very soft and flexible (not at all like the firmer "peat" pots I use for starting tomatoes). The plants arrived with very dry soil - a good bit of it was loose on the bottom of the box instead of in the pot, one plant was starting to wilt, and the first thing I had to do was find a bag of potting soil to refill the pots. (so much for having fixed their shipping problems).

Since so much of the soil was gone, it was easy to see the roots. One plant had roots that would have approximately filled one of their old (small 3-pack size) pots - they were nowhere near the sides of the bigger coco pot. The root system was better on the other two, but the plant size still didn't justify the big increase in price. I would much rather have had their old "large size" plastic pots. At least, the root balls used to fill the pot if I splurged on those instead of getting the 3-packs.

It will also be harder to keep the coco pots moist until I have time to plant. And I don't trust the fibers not to wick moisture out of the soil, so I'll have the bother of cutting off the tops of the pots.
In a nutshell, I'll be looking for another supplier for most plants.

On March 10th, 2012, AS changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend this company, since that would be based solely on their past performance. Especially not for fall planting. I received one variety last fall that was a vigorous grower. It had decent roots and did OK in spite of the awful sawdust-like "soil" Bluestone is now using with the coco-pots - that one is coming back this spring. The more delicate plants simply disappeared over the winter. And it's not the site - I was so disappointed last fall, that I went and bought a similar variety from a local grower. It did well, and never even went fully dormant over this mild winter (sheltered site). So I'm not sure their new pots are all that wonderful with less vigorous plants. (Admittedly, this conclusion is based on just a few plants.)

And I have to agree with others - in these tough economic times, Bluestone's new business model of only selling much more expensive plants did not go over well with me, either.

To be fair, though, regarding one earlier comment from me - their coco pots were no longer as impossibly floppy after they had been rehydrated. That was apparently from the severe drying they experienced in transit.

So I've gone from "maybe a few plants" to becoming another former customer.
On May 18th, 2012, AS added the following:

Just to let people know, I recently dug up one of the coco pots from last fall, and there were only minimal signs of decomposition so far (approx 8 months). I had planted it intact, except for cutting the top off. It was still completely solid and looked like it did when I received the plant, though a few coco fibers were visible on the outside - perhaps the first signs of disintegration.
Negative hardyinokc
(27 reviews)
On May 17, 2012, hardyinokc Oklahoma City, OK wrote:

Posted on May 15, 2006, updated May 17, 2012
This was my first order with Bluestone. I ordered 2 of the blue satin rose of sharon. I was REALLY surpised by how small the plants were and the fact that, although they were in pots, there was no soil in the pot, and the roots were completely bare. I think both plants will probably survive, but it will take years for them to get anywhere big enough to have a decent bloom. I was very disappointed with what I received for the price paid, especially after researching Bluestone on this site prior to ordering.


On May 17th, 2012, hardyinokc changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

Was curious about the coco pots BS has been so proud of, so I ordered 4 sedums. The plants arrived yesterday (I am very impressed with the new packaging). However, I saw no evidence that the coco pots have any significant beneficial impact on root growth. 3 of the 4 sedums had roots that barely filled 1/3 of the soil in the pots; the 4th had roots filling about 1/2 of the soil. All four plants were practically falling out of the coco pots upon removal from the packaging. Must say I am very disappointed in the root development of all four plants I received (just very glad I was able to get 3 of the 4 sedums on sale; would have been even more upset if I'd paid full price for all 4 plants, seeing the very poor root development). I can see that the coco pots are ecologically a improvement, but I do not feel that BS can honestly claim that the coco pots have any positive effect on the development of roots, otherwise the plants I received would have had much more developed root systems.

FYI, neither of the Blue Satin Rose of Sharon mentioned in my previous posting survived.
On May 17, 2012, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"


On May 19, 2006 10:11 AM, Bluestone Perennials added:

Please contact us so that we can reship. It sounds like your package was handled badly in shipping, as it certainly had soil when it left here. We pride ourselves on our packing, and it is possible your package was mangled and re-boxed by the carrier."


Negative hepzabah
(4 reviews)
On Apr 28, 2012, hepzabah Royal Oak, MI wrote:

This was my first order with Bluestone Perennials and it will be my last. I received my plants today they were very small, in scraggly condition and not worth the price that was charged. I am a master gardener and frankly, I am not sure even I can help them survive. Waste of money.


On Apr 28, 2012, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Apr 29, 2012 12:02 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Please be in touch! Your plants are guaranteed, and we will reship or refund immediately at your request. We hope you will give us a chance to make this right, and we apologize for the condition of your shipment. We will do better if you will give us the opportunity."


Negative emily3cat
(1 review)
On Apr 6, 2012, emily3cat Ames, IA wrote:

Bluestone used to have a unique concept--3 packs for a reasonable price. At that rate, it was affordable to try out new plants. I'm happy that I ordered a starter garden way back when because now I can't afford to shop there anymore. For me the tradeoff of smaller plants for lower prices was terrific, as it gave me a chance to try out new plants and see if they liked my soil and climate. I grabbed the catalog this year, and WOWZA, what a change. I went to the website hoping that one could still order three packs. Nope. I can't order there anymore. Wish that they had told longtime customers about this change in store so that we could place large orders last fall. Or, why not a choice between the old size and pricing and the new size and pricing on the plants? This makes no sense to me. I found Bluestone through Dave's Garden many years ago. Now, they have no chance of rating high.

Negative janetgot
(1 review)
On Mar 16, 2012, janetgot Boxford, MA wrote:

I used to love Bluestone Perennials, and, like many others here, I ordered many of their three packs to try out new varieties in my garden. What a great market advantage to offer SMALLER plant so people could try them and see how they did in their own garden. I was so disappointed this morning when I opened their catalog, to see that they are now just like all the other catalog companies out there in terms of pricing. I thought they were a great company, with excellent customer service. Several times I had to have plants replaced that didn't survive shipment, but they were always a pleasure to deal with. Now with the higher prices, there's really no incentive for me to buy with them, as I can get the same pricing at my local garden center, not pay for shipping and be able to pick my own plant. I'm sorry to see them change their policies, and I will miss them. Too bad. I'm hoping to find another company that will fill the void, but in the meantime, I'll plant more perennial seeds, I guess.


On Mar 16, 2012, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Mar 22, 2012 9:04 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Dear janetgot and other concerned customers;

We’ve been growing and selling plants since 1972, and we are always searching for ways to improve our plants and service. We knew we had found a better way to grow and ship plants when we began testing a breathable pot made from coconut husk fibers. The one word our propagators kept saying was “Wow!” The plants grown in the coco pots were more vigorous and had dramatically healthier roots than plants grown in plastic pots. Plus, the coco pots could be planted directly in the ground, which eliminated transplant shock.

That, in a nutshell, is why we now grow all our plants in coco pots. It was a product quality decision. Our new plants are more than 2 ½ times larger than those grown in our previous 3-paks, so it’s not a fair “apples to apples” comparison to look at the prices of our new larger plants versus the prices of our old (much smaller) 3-pak plants. Our plants are still a great value—but now we’re selling larger plants that will provide superior performance in your yard and garden.

Please shop our competitors and compare prices and delivery fees. We think you’ll agree that Bluestone prices are very competitive. We’ve kept our shipping and handling charges the same (even though we’re shipping larger plants) because we redesigned the packaging to be more efficient.

All of that being said, I would like to apologize for the confusion we’ve caused our customers who enjoyed the old 3-paks. We know you loved these small plants—particularly because they were priced way below the market. If you choose not to buy plants from us anymore, we’re sorry to lose you as customers and we thank you for your past support. If you do favor us with an order in the future, you’ll see why we’ve made the change to our new coco pot. The plant growth is truly amazing.

Quite frankly, we have been surprised by the recent number of negative reviews on Garden Watchdog. We loved being a Top 30 company, and we plan to earn our way back into that elite ranking. We still offer the best guarantees in the business, and our customer service is second to none. When our customers start receiving and growing our plants grown in coco pots and see first-hand how well they perform, I sincerely believe that they will be happy.

We’re still the same family-owned company, and our goal is to continue to offer exceptional plants.

Best Regards,
Bill Boonstra, Second Generation Owner and Grower
Bluestone Perennials
"


Negative LindaWillaredt
(2 reviews)
On Mar 8, 2012, LindaWillaredt Davenport, IA wrote:

Every winter, right after the holidays, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new Bluestone catalog so that I can begin to plan my garden for the upcoming season.
What a disappointment this year!!
Normally, I start out with my 'dream order,' and then winnow it down to what I can afford. This year, the prices went through the roof, the number of plants for the price declined from 3 to 1, so we passed through the threshold where it is no longer practical to purchase from this company.
I will have to get used to purchasing plants locally. Probably should have been doing that already to save energy.
I am a small business owner myself, and I have to wonder how a company could raise prices this much, in this economy and on an item that is optional. So sad to see a business implode like this.

Negative littlegray46
(1 review)
On Mar 7, 2012, littlegray46 Point Roberts, WA (Zone 7b) wrote:

Looks like I'm not alone here. I, too, was a long-time customer of Bluestone Perennials, placing orders twice a year. While the plants were small, the prices were great, and they came in 3-packs, and they were healthy & living. In 2012, the prices increased, the price was for a single plant, and then when my plants arrived, they were the same very small perennials and shrubs. I detected no difference in the size I had gotten for years and what I was now getting. Whats more, for the first time, I had two varieties that arrived dead on arrival. So-o-o-o, it would seem the great new pots were not that great a deal after all, and I was getting the same tiny little plants, not arriving in as good a condition and at a much increased price. Now, my Bluestone catalog will serve as a reference for me, and I will not be ordering from them again. Sometimes, a merchant might want to consider that there is no need to change the system at all.

I wonder whose bright idea the change was? Was it a subtle way to sell the same amount of plants at a now inflated profit, thus increasing the bottom line? Is there a new owner? Why on earth would they alienate so many of us long-time customers?

Negative sussexgirl
(1 review)
On Feb 20, 2012, sussexgirl Sussex, NJ wrote:

I just got off the phone with a Bluestone representative after asking that my name be removed from their mailing list. The representative was most helpful, as they always have been. The new prices, though, are unconscionable. Since I like to plant in groupings, one of the things I loved about Bluestone was that I could order three little plants at a time for a very reasonable price. I'm patient in my garden. I don't mind waiting for little things to mature. For the price I'd have to pay now for three plants, I'm better off going to my local nursery, which carries a wonderful variety of native plants, and saving the postage.

I can appreciate that the larger plants now come in biodegradable pots, but I always recycled or reused the little 3-paks. And if using biodegradable pots is expensive, I can't wait until my electric bill goes up 30% from using renewable energy. Saving the planet, one middle-income household at a time.

Negative l_m_stephenson
(9 reviews)
On Feb 6, 2012, l_m_stephenson Saint Louis, MO wrote:

Posted on April 30, 2010, updated February 6, 2012
The plants were were in pretty good shape even though they were on the small size. As this is a mail-order company, small plants are to be expected (who wants to pay the shipping on a gallon container!) and they all look exceptionally healthy. There is plenty of new leaves emerging and very good root systems.
Only one plant did not come (the burning hearts bleeding heart) due to a backorder.
I am very pleased with this order and will definitely be back (and since they send many many coupons with the order and I will probably be tempted back sooner rather than later!


On February 6th, 2012, l_m_stephenson changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

I'm giving up on Bluestone. Many of the plants I ordered last year died (the 2 oakleaf hydrangeas I ordered were VERY poorly rooted and died very quickly). I didn't have much death from any of the other vendors I ordered plants from (and I ordered plugs!) Since the quality of the plants seems to be declining and the prices went through the roof, I'll support other nurseries.
Negative yardenman2118
(2 reviews)
On Jan 25, 2012, yardenman2118 (Zone 7b) wrote:

I was surprised when I opened the 2012 catalog and saw the price and quantity changes. Comparing prices to last year's order, I see I would be paying 33% to 60% more per plant. I don't need to start with larger plants, I don't mind the packing peanuts, and I don't trust biodegradable pots. What I DO mind is suddenly paying $22.50 per 3 plants instead of $13.95 (or less). I can't afford that increase.

I'm going to have to go in 3 directions now. First, use more of the plants I have that can be divided every few years or that spread gradually. Second, use more annuals grown from seed (I have a very nice light stand). Third, buy plants from local "big box" stores. I probably will not be placing an order with them this year. If I do, it will be for just 1 each of a few different plants that can be divided in the future.

I have no doubt that Bluestone will continue to provide the fine quality plants, excellent replacement policy, and great customer service, but I still have to consider this a very negative change.

Negative jhughbanks
(1 review)
On Jan 23, 2012, jhughbanks Story, AR wrote:

I made a good sized order on plants and was OK with them when they arrived but not really excited because they looked puny and sickly. Not surprisingly they died very shortly. I won't be ordering from them again.


On Jan 23, 2012, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

"On Jan 23, 2012 4:02 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Sorry you waited so long to speak up, jhughbanks. Your guarantee is still in effect, so give us a call (or an email) and let us know what you lost. We will refund or reship (starting in late March) at your preference. You will love the new size!"


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